The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1887-03-24
Gov LEES MESSAGE.
Continued From LIST Page.)

not been DONE If their work is to be re-
ferred to one OF the standing committees
or TO special committee, would recon-
mend that it be done at the earliest posi-
ME moment and before entering upon oth-
or legislation. Such committee shoald De
given the power to print. examine and re-
hort. and with the aid Of the revisers they
could test the accuracy OF the printing as
it is daily done, Information from every
part of the state convinces me that this
work of the revisers is required as soon as
possible in the best interest OF the people.
/ cannot therefore, too strongly urge up
on your attention the importance or IT'S
adoption at this session. The time ana |
attention bestowed upon itby the reylsers,
their high character and great legal al
tainments. guarantee that their work mas
been faithfully ard inteliigently perform
ed. They have had uneXampled difhcd
ties to contend with. Any one al all IA
mi,iar with the history OF legislation IN
Virginia is painfully aware OF the confu-
sion and difficulties of construction in our
entire system Of legislation for many
wears. There hes been no revision OF the
laws since lS49: for. rs the Legislature IS
aware. neitt Ell he code OF 1851 or that OF
1873 has any claim to consideration as
revision. They are mele compilations
of the laws / ask your prompt consider
alton of a subject Of such great magnl-
tade and Importance to the state.
INSANE AsYLUMs.
The last subject I have to present for your
consideration, relates to our unfortunate cltl-
Zens whose demented condition appeals SO
strongly to charity. It should be the duty OF
the state to provide them with proper medlea.
attention IN order that they may be restored,H
nossibie to make them comfortable, and III ev-
ery wav' care to watch ever their safety for
those who are unable 10 care for themselves.
II e4iords me pleasure to be able to report to
IA he net
sane making The fourth now erected III the
state has been duly. competed board of
Sisitors has been appointed FORTS management
under whose direction il VIII soon De equipped
for the reception of patients, ana under me 81
rect management of The experienced and Skill
ed physicians the board have so wisely placed
IN charge. Will, hope. be in successful opera
can ~, RETAIN in this connection from call
ing Your attention to the splendid work OF the
building committee, to whose CONSCIENTIOUS,
raithful and Intelligent lauoTs Wheeler il erect
ing a building, whose architectural design and
eonsti uction is most creditable. or in the judi
..inns and economical management ofthe funds
appropriated for that purpose deserve the CRATE
full acknowledgment OF the CoinMonWeaith'
From information in my possession, am sat
ised that this asy iuni vii! be hlled as sc on
as it is opened by the insane Wniles now WV, wall,
ing its readiness to receive them. an VINO, 10
consequence of the crowded condliloh OF the
asylunls at stanton and Wlllamsborg, haFe 9
heretofore been coDflned III lails OF ~ Iuel
their homes The Dictates OF humanity now
demand that yon should MAKE pfoa prov, 81 ~ -
ameliorate the condition OF cur eoiofed teIioW'
citiZens who are effected with lunacy
and .wh0 cannot be accommodated at TIE
Central lunatie asylum near fete[souIg
because Of its oVercrnwded confluence
.he ASYLUM there shOuld be either erlarg-
ed or suitable accommodations be provided
isewhPre so that as soon as possible every coz
I,red patient suffering with mental maiady mas
be given the advantage which Kind treatment
by Experienced physicians ana trained nurses
can hsstow. Under existing law (code OF
1872 page 49, section 49, the court III whose Jal
any lunatic may be ccnIhed snali "hei
practical and proper contract with SOM
lit and proper person for the maintenanc
and care G such iuEatIc out of the jail, ana t
make allowance therefor net exceeding VIVA
is allowed for lunatic confined in the jail, am
She exDelseg services, and all allowances shall
sJe certified to Tie auditor OF pubic accounts 10
payment. :,
This law has not been construed by the audi
tor as authorizing him TO lay for the transpof
sat1on OF either the said iuuatics or the neces
cary guards, nor has il been found practlcabl
10 make arrangements for said transfer. becaus
the expenses OF the maintenance of an insaG
person necessarily greater than tllat OF ali Oh
binary criminal confined in the jails,and there
foI il is tilfIisnl 10 ind fit and proper pei
sons who are willing to undertake to mai llal
aud care for them for what it cost the state I
maintain hem il the Jalls. recolnmen
hattie tXecufiS be authorized 10 make sue
temporary arrangements at as small eXpens
10 the st&Ie possible. as will comfortably pfi
vide for the iulaticS no.. i'll the Jalls, unit
they can lie placed ia tie regular asylum
syhere their treatment ana safekeeplng VIII |
secured.
In concIusion, I submit To the legislative d
parifnenL ri The commonwealth al these I'll
Ecult ana gray QuesI3ous with a perfect con
iidence that when history prepares an indie
ment against governments 1T viii be tom
that by YOU Wise legislation and harlnoplol
cCunsels the ANCIENT foundations OF our 'Ol
Dominion have been strengthened. and thi
ALI obstacles i'll The pain OF Virginia Iulul
growth glory and greatness have been So
mounted.